DICKINSON — The North Dakota Center for Distance Education (NDCDE) has been named an official state affiliate of the Digital Learning Collaborative (DLC), which aims to strengthen digital education across the state. This partnership is designed to provide critical resources and support to educators and students to meet the growing demand for online learning in North Dakota.
The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction announced the partnership on October 10, 2024, noting that the partnership will benefit both educators and students.
DLC is a membership organization dedicated to advancing digital education by providing support and resources to students, educators, and schools.
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Through this partnership, NDCDE aims to improve the state’s educational outcomes by supporting educators and strengthening digital learning practices.
According to the NDCDE, 70.3% of North Dakota’s K-12 students completed at least one fully online course during the 2022-23 school year. Nationally, 93% of parents of K-12 children reported their children have received some form of online instruction since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, approximately 30% of these parents find it difficult to help their children use technology for educational purposes, according to Power Homeschool.
These statistics highlight both the advances and challenges of digital learning and highlight the importance of resources like the one provided by DLC to support educators and parents.
Competency-based education (CBE): Provides a personalized learning experience that allows students to acquire specific skills and knowledge at their own pace. Professional Development: We offer a comprehensive catalog of professional development courses for teachers, many of which offer graduate credit. These courses help educators transition to digital and competency-based learning. Curriculum alignment: Ensure digital curriculum meets state standards and improves student learning outcomes. Teacher Evaluation Reform: NDCDE follows Marzano’s framework and uses a data-driven, observation-based evaluation system to evaluate teacher performance. Dual Credit Courses: In partnership with Bismarck State University, NDCDE offers free dual credit cybersecurity courses to high school students that allow them to earn college credit. Virtual Career and Technical Education (CTE): NDCDE works with Northern. The Dakota Department of Career and Technical Education offers a statewide virtual CTE course catalog to expand student access.
DLC supports these efforts by providing resources, best practices, professional development, and advocacy efforts to help NDCDE improve educational outcomes and support homeschooling families, educators, and students. I am.
Additionally, the partnership is exploring new digital learning models to create more personalized, engaging and effective learning experiences for students.
Starting this month, NDCDE will host monthly virtual training sessions for North Dakota educators. These sessions will cover key topics in online education and provide a platform for educators to network, share best practices, and explore the latest trends in digital learning.
October 21: Learning Coach Insights, 9-10 a.m. Central Time 6:00 p.m.: Spring NDCDE Course Selection, December 9-10 a.m. Pacific Time. 16: Military Pathway Program Overview, January 9-10 a.m. CT. 21: Competency-Based Education at NDCDE, 9am-10am Central Time
For more information, visit the North Dakota Distance Learning Center website (nd.gov).
To join the DLC State Affiliate group and register for these events, email Dr. Alyssa Martin at alyssa.martin@k12.nd.us with the subject line “Add to DLC State Affiliate List” . Detailed instructions will be provided for accessing the DLC online portal and registering for the event.
LeAnn M. Stasiowski is a Community Pulse reporter for The Dickinson Press, covering education, business and cultural events. She profiles local businesses and entrepreneurs, reports on economic trends and educational developments, and focuses on the region’s arts, entertainment and dining. From attending school board meetings to reviewing local festivals and restaurants, LeAnn provides comprehensive coverage that celebrates and informs the community.
